Bruins - Flyers Winter Classic Summary

The words "magical" and "special" are used far too often in the hockey world, usually by players and coaches who have learned this media-speak shorthand to avoid describing their actual feelings.

However, yesterday's Winter Classic game, held outdoors in Boston's Fenway Park, actually was magical and special, and showed fans (new and established alike) the best of what hockey can offer.

It helps that the Bruins and Flyers were both hungry for the 2 point win. Had yesterday's game felt more like an All-Star Game (ie: where the win doesn't matter), it would have fallen flat. But the two-generations of animosity between the Flyers and Bruins seemed to spark both teams, and once the wonder and nostalgia of playing outdoors faded, the teams got down to hitting, fighting and trying to chip the puck into the net.

There's been barrels of digital ink spilled on the event already, so I won't rehash the details of the game here, except to say that it was awfully fun to see Tim Thomas be responsible for a goal against (due to a poorly-timed, though not undeserved, cross-check to the back of Scott Hartnell), then battle so hard in the final moments of the game to preserve the win, making at least three unbelievable saves on point-blank chances.

To then have Thomas named to the USA National Hockey Team - his dream since being 5-years old - at the end of the game, it was like writing another chapter in Thomas' storybook, vastly underdogged, career.

My previous posts have highlighted the problem with having Thomas play below his potential this season, but even having said so, there can be little doubt that he is one of the best Bruins of all time - if only for his continual ability to prove doubters wrong, and get the job done simply through his lunch-bucket work ethic.

The Winter Classic will be remembered as one of those rare, ultra-high-profile sporting events that actually lives up to the hype. The Bruins can take the experience (and the win!) forward through the rest of the season, and hopefully build on it as the Olympics approach.

Of Note: It is an absolute joy to watch so many interviews with Bobby Orr - just listening to Bobby makes me happy; For as happy as I am that Tim Thomas was named to the US National Team, as a Canadian, I cannot wish him too well in the tournament; The Bruins' retro sweaters are easily the best sweaters they have and I hope they wear them in more games this season; Coach Claude Julien and his coaching staff looked amaaaazing in their little brown fedoras - like the coaches of old!